Pythagoras was more than his Triangle although on the Greek Island of Samos, the very island he was born on, that is what he is known for. On my quest to find out more and purchase a bust of him I came up against challenges; not the season, heads were many seasons back now people want towels – really! I said a little startled. This did not stop my quest for a head. On our travels, we stopped and started the car, a studio here, a shop there and then on asking someone always knew a friend who may be able to help so with an address in hand off we set.
Our luck was in at one point or at least I thought it was. That was the day we arrived at the cave. Nearby a cafe nestled on the roadside selling drinks and yoghurt to weary travellers like ourselves and there on the counter was a bust, a nice white heavy good size bust. I asked if it were an item for sale. It was not, it was for the display of the cafe. I asked where to buy it and honey manufacturing cafe owner said he bought it many years again and could not help me with a head but Greek yoghurt and honey were his specialities and he convinced me to taste. I confess it was delicious. I know eat regularly back home here in the UK.
Not to be perturbed in this quest, the next day we set out again to a different location and on route we stopped at the City of Samos thinking we are bound to track a bust of my man down. Endless shops and questions only to find tiny heads of many other philosophers but not Pythagoras.
Later that day we stopped at a fabulous place called Kokkari, a beautiful harbour town filled with many shops in the most idyllic setting with waters so clear you could see to the bottom. I was getting lost in the scenery when my friend said to me ‘come, I think I have found your man but he is black’. Excited I followed. And there he was and yes he was black but that was fine. He was a great size, just like the white one from the cave cafe the previous day, however, he had a little damage so I attempted to negotiate a deal but without luck of a deal or a sale. You see once again, Pythagoras was not for sale. He belonged to the shop.
The shop apparently had been there 36 years and with the same name – which was Pythagoras so he could not leave the shop battered or not. I explained my quest and the happenings at the cave and the lady owner said to in a surprised and somewhat startled voice ‘what you have been to the cave? Can you drive there?’ Yes, I replied although in our case, not all the way, we walked about 1k as we were unsure of the mountain track, our car and driving abilities but yes we arrived and I entered the cave.’ Noooo…’ she squealed, ‘you went inside?’
Yes, I said, well worth the climb. Have you not been? I asked.
Never she replied still phased that I had. I said she must, well worth the trip. She said I am too old, if I have not done it by now I will never do it. How sad I thought that this able and fit looking lady would have a belief like that. Before leaving her shop I suggested maybe she gave the shop a new name and sold me the head – her answer was still no.
Yet another day I return back to the hotel empty handed but not yet defeated even though the car was being collected first thing in the morning.
Did I or Did I not return with a bust of Pythagoras?
That is the question…
